3 Things You Didn't Know About Your Water Heater

When you buy a home, one of the first things you should do is check your water heater and see how long ago it was installed. Beyond that, what are some things you may not realize about this important appliance right when you move in?

Here are three things you should know about your water heater:

When should you replace it?

Typically speaking, homeowners should replace their water heaters every 10 to 13 years. There may be some hidden costs associated with replacing your water heater, including the mount, venting system, drain pan beneath the heater and the supply pipes themselves. Installation also comes with a price tag. Depending on what kind of unit you're installing, you may be able to do it yourself, but be extra careful and don't forget to call a plumber if you find yourself in over your head.

Look out for signs of failure

When your water heater is getting ready to fail, you may experience rust in your water or hear rumbling noises coming from inside the fixture. The rumbling or knocking sound is created by layers of sediment that have coagulated and hardened in the water heater. This sediment can make your water heater less efficient and cause more wear to the tank, eventually leading to system failure. If you notice any leaks, sediment could be the culprit.

Be more efficient

It's important to make sure your water heater is using electricity and water in an efficient manner, and not just for your bills' sake. The easiest way to do this is to invest in a newer appliance, which could operate about 20 percent more efficiently and save $700 more over the life of the unit than older models. However, replacement is not always an option. One way to improve efficiency is to check some of the working parts of your water heater, like the TPR valve and anode rod. In addition, you can drain the aforementioned sediment out of the tank in order to strengthen the longevity of the appliance.

There's still so much to learn about your water heater. If you think your appliance may be experiencing some difficulties, give the plumbing professionals at your local Roto-Rooter a call today for more information and to schedule an assessment.